Our Story
Earlier in 2014, I decided to form Bazinga! Productions with one goal in mind: getting the word out about HIV/AIDS and prevention. As an HIV-positive individual of three years, I understand the stigma that those with HIV/AIDS face everyday, simply because they have a virus. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over, but with your help, we can make an even stronger effort to not only prevent HIV, but also educate people about HIV/AIDS. A professional camera is needed in order to go even further to produce high-quality videos that will make a difference in the lives of not just those who are HIV-negative, but also for those who are HIV-positive.
My passion began as a teenager when I was the youth leader who helped to create an HIV/AIDS Peer Education program for Time Out Youth, a Charlotte, NC-based LGBTQ youth support organization. I have long been passionate about the subject, but in becoming HIV-positive, I see a huge need for stigma-busting and edutainment, because as the photo says below, I *am* facing AIDS until the very end.
Impact and Challenges
Through our videos produced with an iPad, we have spread not only education, but ways to combat the stigma and shame that is associated with HIV/AIDS. We will be able to create powerful, emotional videos which will prevent, educate, and entertain.
This doesn't come without challenges. The prevention message of today is that of the 90s and desperately needs modernization. More and more young people are becoming infected because of the archaic prevention methods. Our goal is to create videos that challenge emotions and allow people to think about their health and the health of others by becoming more relative to today's culture. With more stigma-busting messages, more people will get tested and those who are positive will no longer have to hide a deep, dark secret. With your help, we can bring out more advocates for HIV, positive and negative alike, so that we can begin the end of HIV/AIDS. Another challenge is that I have funded, with my own money, all of the equipment needed to do what I do. It would be fantastic if I could get some help.
What We Need!
It's simple. The iPad is good, but problems do arise, so we need a real, gently used, professional camera in order to continue doing great work. We have created videos for Catawba Care's annual Dazzle & Denim fundraiser, which inspired people to be far more generous than in previous years. We have also produced a video for a Women of Color and HIV-prevention empowerment conference.
Why do we need this? It comes down to one thing: quality. The iPad works well if you're filming your child's first steps or an informal wedding video, but it has its limits. With your donations, we can purchase a gently used, pro camera, as well as a few accessories. With a higher quality camera, we can produce even more professional-looking videos targeted at specific populations, as well as HIV/AIDS in general. With top-quality recordings, videos can be sent out nationwide and a greater respect for our work will be established. Here's the full Catawba Care fundraiser video:
Other Ways You Can Help
We totally, completely understand if you can't contribute financially, so we've put together other ways that you can help.
- Tell your friends, tell your family! Get on Facebook and share, share, share! Facebook is a great tool to spread the message, as far more people can be reached.
- Participate in an AIDS walk or volunteer your time at your local HIV/AIDS organization.
- There are Indiegogo share options that you can utilize to get information to those who need it most.
- Stop by anywhere that has free condoms! If you don't need them, you certainly know someone that will!
That's all! It doesn't take much, so please donate today to save a life. It may even be your own. Help us fight HIV/AIDS until the very, very end.